Sacramento daily record-union., 1887-08-06

tinge added to the color in her face. She !
continued a trife hurriedly:
What do you suppose the captain of
the life-saving station has done :"
'' don't know said Eric, gnawing his
mustache.
"Why, he has ordered his men to shoot
all stray dogs that come about here"
Perfectly proper"
= Perfectly heathenish. | don't see how
they can do it. Could you shoot q big,
beautiful dog-shoot him dead?'
"If it were Sir Galahad and he had
been toying with my legs, could. Humbly
and thankfully say it."
$50 on, Countess" Countess jumped as
the lash of the whip struck her. Yet it
would probably have struck much more
sharply could Countess and Mr.. Allen have
changed places. Countess resented the
cut, slight as it was, and forthwith dropped
her tail over one rein and clinched it
tightly. Eric leaned forward and grasped
the tail, removing it forcibly.
"Thank heavenp' he exclaimed with
fervor. Thrice to-day have l been the
humble instrument Of saving your precious
life w
If he expected gratitude, he was disap
pointed. Miss West sat very straight in
deed, and looked directly in front Of her.
Mr.. Allen surveyed her with critics eye.
How stunning you look to-day like
that gown"
Perceptible increase in the severity of
Miss Vests expression.
Won't you give me sweet pea for my
button-hole? Do, and we'll call it square"
Miss Vests thoughts apparently are
miles away.
"See here, Edith, it makes the cold
chills run up and down my spine when
you look that way. I'll take it all back
about Sir Galahad. Who is that you're
| bowling to? He looks like a regular
tough"
q 1t would be very much better form for
you not to call my friends toughs. He's
as nice as you are, and much more po-
lite"
:" L don't believe he's friend of yours
He's probably only an acquaintance. |
know all your friends. But more of this
anon. tell you / take back what | said
about Sir Galahad. And tonight when
we are walking on the veranda he may
| chew my coat-tails into shreds. Now what
more can l say? Look at me, Edith.
Think how long have known and"
"Very we'll" said Edith, turning the
full glory of her smile upon him. "Pll
forgive you this time. Here's the barber
shop. Get out, Erie"
" Edith, if you let me off this once, [
swear Pll come tomorrow afternoon and
have my hair cut at my own expense.
Just drive on to Lowler's and I'll get you
two pounds of candyn
"lnever refuse bribe,r laughed Edith,
"but thought you had no money"
" I've Just discovered some in 4 hidden
recess of my raiment. Edith, you are an
angel. By Joyei you shall have three
pounds.' And she had them.
The sun had gone down, leaving clouds OF
splendor behind him when Eric stood upon
the veranda watching Edith drive away. In
the crimson glow Of the western sky hung
a silver thread Of new moon. The calm
breast of the sea shone with opalescent
tlnts. An Infinite tint had descended upon
the earth. Eric caught the words Of a
quaint old love-sons that Bess was singing
softly i'll the twilight Of the library. 4
passion of longing rose in his heart. This
very night" he said through his teeth, "I
shall learn whether she is to be blessing
or curse TO me-
K
Eric! Really thought the rash vow
you made this afternoon as to the liber-
ties you were going to let Sir GaIahad
take with your coat-tails would be suf-
ticient 10 give you such headache that
you couldn't possibly come down."
Put something on and come out.
It's divine night. Good evening, Mrs.
West"
"Ah, Erie | haven't seen you for sew
eral days. Pve been so engaged in various
ways that Pve missed you every time
you've been here Edith, are YOU warm
enough p
Quite, mamma"
" Don't step off from the veranda. It's
very damp"
Did you see Eric this eyening?' asked
Mrs. West of her husband as she went into
the library. He looked so very queer
quite pale, and such restless light in his
eyes. Pm afraid he's going to be ILL.,
Pm afraid he isn't" replied Mr. West,
mysteriousiy, and became so absorbed in
his paper that he did not have to reply to
his wife's shocked exclamation. Mr.. West
liked Eric, but Edith was the apple of his
eye.
Up and down, up and down on the YER
anda walked two tigures-one tail and dark,
and one that CLEANED white in the star.
light. Up and down, up and down. tread
ing silently behind them-Sir Galahad
Edith fitfully hummed tune. Eric was
silent. So was Sir Galahad. The atmos-
phere seemed charged.
Say something, Eric" commanded the
girl upon his arm, and then, balf fright
ened, wished she had not
Eric turned and faced her His face was
gray and his eyes burned.
love you" he said, and his voice was
hoarse and strange. 81 love you SO ut
terly that am nothing but my love for
you. If you will not be my wife | must
know 1t now--now. And then | shall 90
away where can never look upon vour
face again. Speak to me, Edith"
" You haven't asked me anything vet.
Eric" the sweet voice trembled.
My darling, do you love me ?" The
mans whole soul was in the question.
The slender figure near him swayed, the
gray eyes that almost always laughed at
him were raised to his, and in their depths
a solemn splendor shone
love YOU" she whispered, and Eric
took her in his arms
1t was l0oclock when Mrs. West opened
the door and called Edith" and shut it
again, shivering. She thought the night
wind cold
Eric paused with his hand on the handle
of the door, and Edith stopped to rest her
cheek for moment on Sir Galahad's great
head
"When shall it he, beloved?" Eric asked
When| Edith repeated dreamily. She
put her hand on his, turned with it the
handle and pushed by him through the
door
When? +? OH and a little laugh came
from her, When you are 30-love p
The deuce y said Eric LouisriN,
Courv-.Iournal.